Diseases of the Elbow

Bursitis

Bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) that lies between a tendon and skin, or between a tendon and bone. The condition may be acute or chronic. Bursae are fluid-filled cavities near joints where tendons or muscles pass over bony projections. They assist movement and reduce friction between moving parts.

Causes

Bursitis can be caused by chronic overuse, trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, gout or infection. Sometimes the cause cannot be determined. Chronic inflammation can occur with repeated injuries or attacks of bursitis.

Symptoms

Tenderness

Swelling or redness

Warmth over the joint

Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints which results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. Arthritis involves the breakdown of cartilage, which normally protects the joint and allows for smooth movement. Cartilage also absorbs shock when pressure is placed on the joint. Without the usual amount of cartilage, the bones rub together, causing pain, swelling (inflammation), and stiffness.

Causes

You may have joint inflammation for a variety of reasons, including:

An autoimmune disease (the body attacks itself because the immune system believes a body part is foreign)

Broken bone

General "wear and tear" on joints

Infection (usually caused by bacteria)

Often the inflammation goes away after the injury has healed, the disease is treated, or the infection has been cleared. With some injuries and diseases, the inflammation does not go away or destruction results in long-term pain and deformity. When this happens, chronic arthritis can develop.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is more likely to occur as you age. You may feel it in any of your joints, but most commonly in your hips, knees or fingers.

Risk factors for osteoarthritis of the elbow include:

Previously injuring the affected joint

Using the affected joint in a repetitive action that puts stress on the joint (baseball players, ballet dancers, and construction workers are all at risk)

Symptoms

Persistent joint pain

Pain or tenderness in a joint which is aggravated by movement or activity, such as walking, getting up from a chair, writing, typing, holding an object, throwing a ball, turning a key.